Lucky Lab Brewing In Portland, Oregon, Offers Biking And Beer

Portland, Ore., is widely regarded as a mecca for beer lovers and bike enthusiasts. The Tour de Lab, sponsored by Lucky Lab Brewing Company, is the annual event that brings both groups together. Founded by two Portland natives who built their dream in a former roofing company warehouse on lower Hawthorne, Lucky Lab Brewing Company has grown into a multi-pub operation intended for people to "come together, converse, and drink [their] great beer in an unpretentious atmosphere that is truly a Portland experience."

And what better way to experience Portland than to pub-hop as you ride? The Tour de Lab bike tour was started by Lucky Lab in support of DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, and draws hundreds of participants each fall. Choose your own adventure with the Puppy Dog Course, a 19-mile ride over flat terrain with three stops at Lucky Lab pubs, or the Big Dog Challenge, a hilly 41-mile route that visits four pubs.

Perks include interactive online riding maps for exploring the course ahead of time; training, preparation, and nutrition tips; printed maps at the start line; course markers along the route; fully stocked rest stops every five minutes with snacks, treats, and water; ride-along medics and mechanics; post-ride locally roasted coffee and a light breakfast; a free craft beer served in your own commemorative etched pint glass; and fresh-grilled mesquite hot dogs with all the fixings.

At each of Lucky Lab's four locations, you'll find fresh, hand-crafted beer and satisfying yet affordable food options. As a small brewery, Lucky Lab manages to invent, experiment, and continually brew new varieties of beer, giving even their most regular customers something new to try. Popular staples include the Amarillo IPA, Dog Day IPA, Blue Dog Pale Ale, and Bike Route Rye. In short, there's something to be found for every wagging palate.

As you may have guessed, Lucky Dog Brewing Company is also a dog-friendly establishment, with a large patio where you and your pup can rest while soaking up the sun (if it ever makes an appearance). To top it off, you can rest assured that your beer is coming from an eco-friendly place, as Lucky Lab uses solar technology to brew every batch.

So kick back (or cruise the streets) and enjoy Portland's unique culture with Lucky Lab as your guide.

For a list of additional bike-themed events happening in Portland during your stay, check out the ORbike calendar, a statewide calendar of the best events.